SOMA Pulsar-23, Manual

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120
The Pulsar-23 Notebook : Reference & Guide
NOTES
External Control
7
7.1 MIDI Definitions
To clarify some of the terminology and technology around MIDI with respect
to Pulsar-23 a summary of key definitions is provided. Pulsar-23 uses a
direct MIDI input. MIDI over USB is not possible.
5 PIN MIDI
MIDI DIN 24
This is often found for MIDI
Out and Thru and enables
syncing of classic devices.
This uses 0v & 5v messages
as sync signals at 24 pulses
per quarter note (PPQN).
Pulsar-23 uses 192 PPQN
Internally.
MIDI CC
MIDI Control and Note
change messages are used
to communicate messages
across MIDI with values of
0-127. Control Changes (CC)
affect parameter values while
note data triggers notes.
Pulsar-23 can learn CC’s.
SYSEX
System Exclusive. This is an
expansion of the normal MIDI
communications set up and is
typically used for transferring
data such as back ups,
patches, firmware updates to
and from devices. These are
not used in Pulsar-23
MIDI
Musical Instrument Digital
Interface. A protocol for
communicating between
electronic musical gear.
Never connect MIDI gear to
incompatible DIN signals.
Pulsar-23 uses only a 5 Pin
DIN In connection.
MIDI STANDARDS
While there are MIDI
standards defined, many
synth developers interpret
this in slightly different ways.
Its always worth reviewing
the documentation with each
to fully understand each
device level implementation.
SDS
Sample Dump Standard. This
is an older transfer protocol
used for transferring data to
and from devices. This is
rarely seen nowadays.
MIDI DIN 48
This is often found for MIDI
Out and Thru and enables
syncing of classic devices.
This uses 0v & 5v messages
as sync signals at 48 pulses
per quarter note (PPQN).
Pulsar-23 uses 192 PPQN
Internally.
MSB & LSB
Most Significant Byte and
Least Significant Byte. MSB
provides the 128 data
resolution which is ok for
most MIDI applications. More
advanced devices use MSB
and LSB values increasing
resolution to 16,384 steps.
NRPN
Non-Registered Parameter
Number is part of the MIDI
standard. CC and NRPN are
technically very similar but
NRPN is less well defined in
the standards. NRPN uses
more data and can give
better control.
The term ‘primary lead’ will refer, in this guide to a device that has the main control responsibility.
For example controls the clock and transport and is the central lead. A device which will be
controlled by, and follow the primary lead device and which will be subservient by responding to
the main control messages will be called a ‘secondary follower’.